How many of us envy those people who grew up or are growing up in bi or multilingual homes? Having the ability to switch and swap languages like changing channels on a TV makes some people green with envy or just smile at the sheer brilliance of it. Speaking a second, third, fourth or any number of other languages is to some people like some kind of magic and they wish they could do the same. For any number of reasons, people get the idea into their head that they will never speak another language, or believe that if they do, they will never use it. How wrong these people are.

Learning another language is more challenging for older people, it is a fact. Young developing brains soak up information and languages like a sponge and those who may seem like gifted children are merely using their brain as nature designed it. However, as an adult the brain still absorbs and retains information, and a language can be picked up with some ease albeit a little slower than a child. Don’t let age stop you from learning another language.

If you can learn a language, don’t then convince yourself that you will never use it. A second language is a wonderful thing to have. Speaking another language makes you more marketable as an asset in the career world and opens up new avenues of travel and adventure in your personal world. Knowing this should incentivise you to begin learning another language.

Language is still one of the most valuable assets a person can have. Pitching one accountant or salesman next to another, each with the same ability but with one being able to speak Italian for example, makes a difference. Job opportunities for people that speak another language increase and value to a prospective employee increases. Salaries are higher for roles where language or time in a foreign country is required and the extra income should be a wakeup call, especially in these tough times we face today.

The business use of a language is undeniably an asset, and companies that have native language speakers gain respect faster and business deals are signed that bit easier. The simple fact that someone speaks the language lifts the levels of respect considerably and no matter what anyone says, respect is still and always will be why business is done between people.

However, it is not just business where language is an asset. Travel and vacations with a language become more exciting and more of an adventure. A language will take you off the beaten track and away from the flocks of sheep-like tourists. The real country can be visited, speaking French can take you to where the French enjoy their vacations and the same is true with any language in any country.

A language will allow you to not just communicate and get directions but to blend in when away on your travels. Strangers, made stranger by not speaking English, can become lifelong friends and life becomes a great deal richer and fuller just by having control of a language.